"How are you?" "Fine." How many times have you said it while everything inside was upside down? "Fine" has become a kind of politeness. It spares you explanations. Little by little, though, it can take you further from yourself.
Feelings are not the enemy
Sadness, anger, jealousy and fear do not mean something is wrong with you. They are telling you something. Sadness says that something mattered. Anger says a boundary was crossed. Fear says you care about something a lot.
When we hide them, they do not leave. They find other ways out: tiredness, irritability, sleepless nights.
How to give them a little room
- Name what you feel: "I feel sad", not "I am a mess".
- Ask yourself: what do I need right now? Rest, company, a walk, a cry?
- Write it down. Paper does not judge.
- Tell someone you trust, even in a single sentence.
You do not have to be okay to be enough.
When "not okay" lasts a long time
If a heavy mood lasts for weeks, if nothing brings you joy, or if you think about hurting yourself, do not carry it alone. In Greece call 1018 or 10306. It is not weakness. It is care.